Eliud Kipchoge: Five things to know about legendary marathon runner

Eliud Kipchoge me history by completing a marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in Vienna, Austria. 34-year old Kenyan completed four laps around Prater, a park in center of Austrian capital to set record. Let's take a look at Kipchoge's achievements.

A Kenyan prodigy

Kipchoge was born on vember 5, 1984, in Nandi district of Kenya and was raised by a single mor also being youngest of four children. At of 16, he met his trainer Patrick Sang and began his marathon career in 2001. In 2002, he was a part of Kenyan team in  IAAF World Cross Country Championships, Dublin. Kipchoge finished fifth in individual race and was part of Kenyan junior team that won gold. He won juniors individual race at Championship following year in Switzerland.

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Olympic hero

In 2004, Kipchoge participated in Olympics in 5000m race winning a bronze medal in Ans. He followed it up with a silver in 2008 and a gold in 2012 editions of Olympics held in Beijing and Rio de Janeiro respectively. He also has won a gold medal in same category at 2008 Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi, India.

Multiple record holder

Kipchoge has alrey set a world record for completing 2018 Berlin Marathon in 2hr 1min and 39sec. He mand to break previous record by a margin of 1min and 18sec. It was greatest improvement in marathon world record since 1987.

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Second time's charm

Kipchoge has previously attempted feat in year 2017 in Monza, Italy. It was named as 2017 Breaking2 Challenge. He famously missed mark by just 25 seconds. Finally succeeding in 2019 INEOS 1:59 Challenge and reby beating his own marathon record.

Global star

Kipchoge, being star he is, has endorsements with footwear giant, Nike. He also is brand ambassor of Safaricom and Isuzu in Kenya. 

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Marathon Wins

Kipchoge has participated in 12 marathon events since 2013 and has won 11 of m, finishing second in one. He claimed a gold medal in his last marathon at  2019 London Marathon. In total, he has won 17 gold medals while representing Kenya as well as an individual athlete.

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